Special Considerations for Children

A young girl with black hair and a white shirt looks at her smartphone screen on a table, with a small black and gold telescope, crumpled paper, and a juice box nearby.

Step 5: Special Considerations for Children

What You Need to Know

Kids need age-appropriate emergency plans that make them feel safe, not scared. The American Academy of Pediatrics emphasizes that children cope better with emergencies when they have simple, clear plans they've practiced.

For Young Children (Ages 3-7)

What they need to know:

  • Mom/Dad's phone numbers (help them memorize)

  • Home address

  • How to call 911

  • Stay with a trusted adult (teacher, police officer, firefighter)

How to teach them:

  • Make it a game: "Let's practice calling Daddy!"

  • Use songs to memorize phone numbers

  • Role-play: "What would you do if..."

  • Keep it simple and positive

What to tell them:

"If there's an emergency and we get separated, stay where you are with a safe adult like your teacher. Mom or Dad will come get you. If you can't find us, call Grandma [out-of-area contact] and she'll help us find each other."

For Older Children (Ages 8-12)

What they need to know:

  • All family phone numbers

  • How to text and call

  • Out-of-area contact information

  • Meeting locations

  • Basic emergency procedures

How to teach them:

  • Practice sending texts in emergencies

  • Have them write out the plan in their own words

  • Give them an emergency contact card for their backpack

  • Let them participate in planning

Empower them:

"You're old enough to help keep our family safe. If something happens at school, I know you can text me and let me know you're okay. That would help me stay calm."

For Teens

What they need to know:

  • Complete family emergency plan

  • How to use all communication methods

  • How to help younger siblings

  • Basic first aid and CPR (if possible)

How to engage them:

  • Involve them in creating the plan

  • Give them responsibility

  • Make sure they have chargers and power banks

  • Discuss real scenarios without frightening them

Trust them:

"I need your help to keep our family safe. If there's an emergency, you might need to help your little brother. Can I count on you?"

Practice with Kids

Make it not scary:

  • Frame as "safety practice" not "disaster drill"

  • Use positive language: "learning to be safe" not "preparing for something bad"

  • Keep it brief and age-appropriate

  • Reward participation (stickers for little kids, ice cream after for older kids)

  • Do it regularly so it becomes normal

What to practice:

  • Having kids call your phone and leave a message

  • Sending texts to family group

  • Walking or driving to meeting locations

  • Knowing what to tell a 911 operator

Resources

  • CDC Talking to Children About Disasters: https://www.cdc.gov/childrenindisasters/children-and-disasters.html

  • FEMA Kids Ready: https://www.ready.gov/kids

Family Emergency Communication Plan